Monthly Archives: January 2012

When I started this web site back in January, 2010 I had no idea of how popular it could be. While it is not going to challenge Google or Facebook any time soon I’m quite happy with its’ growth. Take a look at the past 3 January stats:

What does this mean? It means if you have a farmers or flea market you should be sending me regular updates including schedules, photos and videos of your market because people want to know. Remember, there is no charge for being listed at http://bcfleamarkets.com.

Is this the year you’ll be selling more at your local flea market? Or will you be looking to buy more this year? Is all the dire news we hear about the economy got you thinking of being more involved buying and selling? Or are you just looking forward to another great year of going to your favourite market? I confess to both, a bit leery of the current economy and just loving going to and selling at my favourite market.

2. Most people start out with small-size booths. Stock your booth with lots of small items, not 2 or 3 large ones. People buy things they can pick up easily.

3. Books are always good sellers at flea market booths.

4. Go to auctions. Watch for box lots with small stuff in them. If you can buy box lots for less than $5 you should always make money on them in your booth.

5. Always have a sale in your booth. If you want to sell something for $3, mark it at $6, and have a 50% sale going on all the time. People will buy things faster when they’re on sale even with the higher price.

6. Keep your booth “decorating” to a minimum. You want potential buyers in your booth to look at what you are selling, not your creative skills. Too much flash hides your inventory.

7. Arrange your booth for sales. Boxes of items for sale (box lots) go under your table, not on it. Get stuff out where people can see it. You can always restock your booth in order to keep the clutter to a minimum.

8. Present your items for sale in a good manner. Make sure they’re clean! Candleholders might look better with candles in them. When you straighten your booth, face your inventory OUT towards the potential buyer.

9. Mark your items clearly with self-stick labels or tie-on tags. Print a short description along with the price. While your cursive handwriting might be truly lovely, someone may be unable to read it, and you could lose a sale. Position prices so they can be seen, don’t hide them. People won’t buy from your booth if they have to pick up every single item to find the price.

10. Clean house! You can find a lot of “free” inventory already in your own home. Price it to move and start making some extra cash!